Destin Water Users Wins EPA Award

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has chosen the 2011 EPA Safe Drinking Water Act Excellence Award recipients, and the winner of the Large Ground Water System category from Region IV is Destin Water Users Inc. (DWU). The award recognizes public water supply companies that demonstrate effective operations and maintenance programs, and display a profound commitment to maintaining and protecting public drinking water supplies. DWU won this designation above all nominations within EPA Region IV, including suppliers from Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee.

DWU was established in 1963 when it filed its first Articles of Incorporation. Since then, it has steadily grown to provide water, wastewater and reclaimed water services to more than 12,000 consumers during the winter months and more than 40,000 in the summer. It is a private not-for-profit corporation whose service area is bounded on the north by the Choctawhatchee Bay and on the south by the Gulf of Mexico.

“I’ve been involved in some fashion with Destin Water Users for many, many years,” said Tom Weidenhamer, DWU board president. “And for us to be recognized in this way is a true testament to our company’s core value system, and how we do our best to live it every day.”

DWU General Manager Richard Griswold mirrored those remarks by reiterating that DWU is intent on doing its part to promote the pristine environment that is DWU’s service area. “This region is home to thousands of Floridians, and thousands from elsewhere enjoy it as their vacation destination. We enjoy taking responsibility in making sure our little piece of paradise stays that way.”